Reading Response #11

1/31/2016

Dear Students,

Has there ever been a character in your reading that you love to hate? You know, a character that gets you mad or frustrated, but in a way that makes the story more interesting to read? Often, characters that we "love to hate" are mean, selfish, and try to do harm to the main character.

You may have heard these terms before: protagonist and antagonist.

The protagonist is the main character that you cheer for throughout the story, aka "The Good Guy/Girl."
The antagonist is the character who is an active "pain in the butt" to the main character, aka "The Bad Guy/Girl."

There is usually more than one protagonist and antagonist in a story. The antagonist often brings harm to the world of the story. In some stories, the antagonist can change his or her ways and learn a lesson. In other stories, the antagonist is pure evil and must be defeated.

This Week's Prompt:

Describe an antagonist in a story that you have read. What does this character do to cause trouble in the story? What are some of his or her character traits?

Also, try to answer this: Why do you think the author chose to have this character act the way he or she does?

I'm looking forward to reading about the antagonists in your independent reading!

69 Comments

Julia

2/2/2016 07:38:37 am

Dear class,
I have just started reading The Willoughby's by Lois Lowry. The antagonist in the book so far I think is the oldest Willoughby son, Timothy. Timothy is very bossy, telling his three younger siblings what to do, what games to play, even what foods to like. He comes up with a game, in which if any of the four children do something bad, such as whine, or ask a question, they lose points. Timothy never deducts points from himself, only his siblings, so he always wins. In a different part of the story, someone leaves a baby on the family's doorstep. While Jane, the youngest sibling, thinks its cute and wants to keep it, Timothy describes it as, "a beastly, disgusting thing", and insists on getting rid of it. Those are the reasons why, Timothy, from The Willoughby's, is the antagonist in the story.
Sincerely,
Julia

Ms. Kimball

2/2/2016 09:03:43 pm

Dear Julia,

Great job explaining why you think Timothy is an antagonist. He sounds pretty tough to be around, bossing people around and manipulating them with his point system.

Why do you think Timothy acts this way? What motivates him?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

August

2/10/2016 08:24:27 pm

Dear Julia,
You did a great job explaining with evidence why Timothy is an antagonist. He sounds like he uses his siblings a lot.

Do you think he is using his siblings? Why do you think Timothy acts like this? What makes him do this?

Sincerely,
August

Julia

2/21/2016 08:31:05 pm

Dear August,
Like I said to Ms. Kimball, I think that since the parents are not around for most of the book, Timothy assumes that he must take the responsibility of being a role model for his siblings. Unfortunately, I think that even though he had good intentions, all of that responsibility went to his head.
Sincerely,
Julia

Talia

2/11/2016 04:12:25 pm

Lois Lowry is such a good author! Have you read The Giver? It is a really good book. So are it's sequels, Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son. If you haven't read them, I suggest you do!

Elizabeth

2/2/2016 04:24:44 pm

Dear Class,
I was reading the book Bridges Burned and the antagonist was a dragon council. The council made everything harder for the main charachter. The council was unfair and judged the main charachter harshly. They refused to stop tearing Bryn (the main charachter) down. Always pointing out her flaws. They are so agrivating and easy to hate. Sometimes when a book is this good I wish I could jump into it and give the antagonist a piece of my mind.
Scincerely,
Elizabeth

Ms. Kimball

2/2/2016 09:06:08 pm

Dear Elizabeth,

The dragon council sounds very difficult. You said the council "made everything harder for the main character" and that it is "aggravating and easy to hate." Can you give specific examples from the story to explain why you think this?

Also, why does the dragon council act this way to Bryn?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Elizabeth

2/9/2016 03:52:57 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
The dragon council is making Bryn's life harder because her parents were two different types of dragons. One was a firebreather, the mother was an icebreather and was the fastest breed of dragon.
I think that the dragon council was acting everything harder for Bryn because of her parents. The council has this order where the dragons can only marry the same dragon breed. They have everything planned out by your parents. So if your parents are rich you would marry someone else with rich families. It is kind of like arranged marriges, so you wouldn't be able to marry who you want.
I think the council is agrivating and easy to hate because they are just so unfair. I mean it wasn't Bryn's fault that her parents loved each other. She should be able to prove herself. Also there are a bunch of rogue dragons that are trying to kill her, so of course she takes refuge with her grandparents and they nearly die. Apparently to the council it is Bryn's fault.
Thanks for the feedback,
Elizabeth

Trisha

2/2/2016 04:29:29 pm

Dear Class,
I am reading This Isn't What It Looks Like by Pseudonymous Bosch. I am going to describe Benjamin Blake, a spy from the Midnight Sun, an evil group of alchemists who want to discover the secret to ever lasting life. One thing that Benjamin does that's evil, is tricking Max-Ernest, one of the procrastinators, that he was his friend to read Cass's, another one of the procrastinators, to read her mind to try to discover the secret for the midnight sun. One of Benjamin's traits is clever. Benjamin is clever because he easily tricked Max-Ernest. Max-Ernest was actually fooled by him. Another one of Benjamin's traits is being quick-tempered, which means he gets angered easily. For example he got very angry at Amber, another young agent of the midnight sun, for borrowing his monocle.
Sincerely,
Trisha

Ms. Kimball

2/2/2016 09:10:01 pm

Dear Trisha,

Benjamin Blake sounds very manipulative, using tricks to get what he wants. I think you meant to call Cass and Max-Ernest protagonists, rather than "procrastinators." What did Benjamin do to actually trick Max-Ernest?

Also, why do you think he acts the way he does? What's his motivation for being "evil"?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Trisha

2/11/2016 03:36:52 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
Thank you for your feedback. I agree that Benjamin Blake is very manipulative. When Benjamin tricks Max-Ernest, he pretends he is a helpful person doing the right thing. But when it's too late Max-Ernest realizes he was tricked. Also, I think his motivation for evil, is Dr.L's, A evil alchemist, school which Benjamin was mind washing into attending. Benjamin acts evil because he was mind washed into doing bad again by Dr.L.
Sincerely,
Trisha

Caitlin

2/11/2016 06:51:16 am

Dear Trisha,
Great job your response was very detailed. What did you mean when you said that Max-Ernest and Cass's were procrastinator? You did a good job on supporting your claims with evidence. Overall you did a great job.
Sincerely,
Caitlin

Anthony

2/2/2016 07:02:37 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
I am reading the book called the lemonade wars, by Jaquline Davies, and I think that I do not like Evan so much because he can be very mean to his sister, Jessie, and Jessie has to do something about it, always. But what I think that really causes Even's anger is because Jessie pulls the "trigger" to make him really mad. For example,Even built this marble track and Jessie comes in and tells him what to do. Even does not like to be bossed around at all and starts yelling at Jessie because he thinks that he can handle himself without any help. But another major reason that Even is really mean to Jessie is because Jessie had moved up a grade and now that Jessie has moved up a grade, Even gets annoyed and starts saying things like , " That's not fair," and " Why does she have be in my grade?" Meanwhile, their is a war going on, a LEMONADE war. The war isn't going on so well and Even always keeps saying to himself," If my friends know that I lost a bet to my little sister, they'll go crazy!"

But I don't really think that there is one straight forward person that I don't like, but I mostly don't like Even.

Ms. Kimball

2/2/2016 09:14:48 pm

Dear Anthony,

Evan and Jessie seem to have a very complicated relationship based on your description. You said that you do not like Evan. Is Evan an antagonist though? I thought he was the main character in the story.

Read the description I wrote for the blog above more carefully. A main character is the protagonist, even if you don't like him or her. The antagonist causes the main character trouble. Just because a main character gets annoyed, or has anger problems, or makes bad decisions, that doesn't mean they are the antagonist.

What do you think now?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Anthony

2/4/2016 04:56:42 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
It seems that in the book that Jessie was the one that triggered Evan's anger and that makes Jessie the antagonist. Neither of them is the main MAIN character, it's just that both have "turns" of being the main character.

And now that I read the blog response more carefully, I changed my mind to think that Jessie was the antagonist because she is the one that makes Evan to do bad things, so, yeah. Evan and Jessie really do have a complicated relationship, so I totally TOTALLY agree with you.

Sincerely,
Anthony

Ryan

2/11/2016 06:01:40 pm

Dear Anthony,
I thought you gave a great response. In the future, I would recommend rereading your response to check for errors. You said "For example even built this marble track." You made the mistake a couple of times. You made the mistake of writing even instead of Evan. Why do you not like Evan? How is Evan like an antagonist?

Sincerely,
Ryan

Emily

2/2/2016 08:43:44 pm

Dear Class,
I am reading a book called the Doll people. A bad or selfish charictor in we're I'm at in my book would be the Captian. The Captian is Kate,the girl who owns the dolls, cat. The Captian always swipes and purrs at the dolls and tries to pounce on them when they scatter around. Yep you heard me the dolls can move but only move when know ones looking. The main girl/doll Annabelle always gets scared at Captian for doing his naughty things and trying to attack them like there're mouses.
Sincerely
Emily

Ms. Kimball

2/2/2016 09:19:10 pm

Dear Emily,

I was confused by the sentence you wrote: "The Captian is Kate,the girl who owns the dolls, cat." You might want to say it like this: The girl Kate, who owns the dolls, has a cat named The Captain.

The Captain sounds like he's a troublemaker for the dolls. I thought I would ask you why Captain does this to the dolls, but I imagine the answer is simple: because he is a cat and cats attack small moving things. Do you think that's right? Would you say he is an evil cat or just a typical cat?

Also, how do Annabelle and the doll people deal with Captain?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Emily

2/10/2016 03:47:19 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
I agree on the first part. Sorry I made it confusing.
The Captian does do it becuase he normally plays with his toys then looses them, then he needs something to play with so he goes for the dolls when they scatter around. Annabelle and her family hide or for there lives and hope for the best.Thanks for the Questions!!

Sincerely,
Emily!

Julia

2/9/2016 05:11:48 pm

Dear Emily,
This was an awesome reading response! I loved how all of your evidence was clear! It made your response very clear and easy to read. The Captain does sound like a character that I would love to hate. When you say, "The main girl/doll Annabelle always gets scared at Captain..." what makes him so scary? As much as he might bother the dolls, he sounds like an average cat to me. Does he want to eat the dolls or something? You might want to specify. But I really liked your response. I hope you can reply soon!
Sincerely,
Julia

Emily

2/10/2016 03:51:22 pm

Dear Julia,
I agree on the cat part but there wasn't really a charictor I would hate, the Captian was the only one, but in a doll's mind it might be very scary. The Captian just wants to play but he can get tough and chew them up.Thanks for the Feedback!!
Sincerely,
Emily

Anthony

2/9/2016 07:53:51 pm

Dear Emily,
I think hat you really did a nice job stating the fact
that the Captain is getting in the way of the doll people.
You really told us on how he attacks the doll people as if
they were mice scurrying around the house.

I was really confused when you said," The Captain is Kate, the girl that owns the dolls, cat." If Kate is the girl that owns he dolls, she can't also be the cat! ( Although the way you said it sounded like Kate was the cat!)
Lastly, how does the Captain affect the doll people live?

Sincerely,
Anthony

Emily

2/12/2016 08:44:46 am

Dear Anthony,
I answered the question you were confused about in someone else's response to me. Anthony what do you mean by how does the Captain affect the dolls? Are you sure its not supposed to be how does the Captain disturb the dolls? And if it is, the Captain is always sneaking up on the dolls and mocking them as they scatter around.

Sincerely,
Emily

Ben

2/2/2016 09:58:13 pm

Dear class,
I am reading Mr Turupt Falls Again. A mean character on my story would be Brandon. The reason why is because when ever lexie goes to her friend house Brandon always makes her smoke. I hate Brandon so much that he makes me want to read more. Another time that he was mean was when Mr Terupt came to save Lexie from him Brandon put the middle finder at Mr Terupt. That made me really think about Brandon and how mean he is. He is also some times rude to Lexie any calling her a kindergarteners and ugly. That made game really sad.
This is why I think Brandon is mean.

Sincerely
Ben

Ms. Kimball

2/7/2016 03:13:37 pm

Dear Ben,

It took me a while to figure out what you were writing; I think you need to proofread more carefully, maybe out loud.

What did you mean when you wrote, "He is also some times rude to Lexie any calling her a kindergarteners and ugly. That made game really sad"?

Also, why do you think Brandon acts this way?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Kate

2/9/2016 07:09:22 pm

Dear Ben,

I agree with mrs Kimball that it was kinda hard to understand.
Questions I have are what was Mr Terupt saving Lexie from? Who is Lexie? Who is Brandon? Why do you think Brandon is mean? Do his parents know what he does?

Sinceraly Kate

Ben

2/9/2016 07:14:37 pm

Dear Ms kimball,
Next I will proofread. What I meant was that "He is also rude to Lexie BY calling her a kindergartener and ugly." I also after that meant "That made ME really mad." I think the reason that brandon acts this way is because he plays football so he is use to being tough and mean.

Sincerely,
Ben

Kate

2/3/2016 06:46:50 am

Dear Mrs Kimball,

I read the book called the Swiss family Robison. A character I dislike is Lucy I don't like Lucy because since Franz, the main character, found the note from her writing for help, he went out to find her. Once Franz found Lucy, a ship came to rescue her. Once the ship came, Franz wanted to go with Lucy, and leave his family alone on a stranded island they have been on for 13yrs. If the character Lucy hadn't been found then Franz wouldn't leave to be with Lucy, and the family can live together.

Sincerely, Kate

Ms. Kimball

2/7/2016 03:18:37 pm

Dear Kate,

I'm a bit confused by your explanation. It is unclear to me why Lucy is an antagonist in The Swiss Family Robinson. What does she do to purposefully cause trouble for Franz? Remember, an antagonist actively tries to cause trouble for the main character. Who is she, anyway? I thought you said Franz's family was stranded on an island. Explain more clearly.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Kate

2/9/2016 07:00:52 pm

Dear Mrs Kimball,

I read it over and I agree with you I think I didn't clearly say why I think Lucy is a antagonist. I think I was just mad that Franz went back to Switzerland with Lucy.

Sinceraly, Kate

Ben

2/9/2016 07:24:29 pm

Dear Kate,
Great job. Why do you think that Franz left his family. I really like how you set it up as almost a summery. One think that you could do better next time would be answering the reason why something or someone did that. Other than that great job.

Sincerely,
Ben

Liana

2/3/2016 01:46:06 pm

Dear 5k,
I am reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The antagonist character in my book is Voldemort, an atrocious wizard. He is just evil. The reason I think J.K Rowling, the author, chose to have Voldemort act this way is because the book would be boring. Harry, the main character and a heroic wizard, and his friends wouldn't be going on their dangerous missions to defeat Voldemort and rescue people from Voldemort if he didn't act nefarious. The story would just be about his school life with his friends, and learning how to do magic. Also, I don't think the climax would be very interesting too. Sure, someone could get hurt, but there wouldn't be any action like there is when Voldemort is in the book. It's also very interesting to read about Voldemort's evil plans. If there wasn't a Voldemort, there wouldn't be a Harry Potter. I love to hate him because he does such malicious things. He does a lot of murdering and doesn't feel bad about it. I like to hate him because who would like a character that likes to kill people. I don't. But I'm glad he's in the book. It wouldn't be the same if he wasn't doing his horrendous things.
Sincerely,
Liana

Ms. Kimball

2/7/2016 03:26:27 pm

Dear Liana,

Great use of new vocabulary words, like malicious, nefarious, and atrocious!

Voldemort is a purely evil character, definitely the greatest antagonist in the series. The author did a great job making him such a frightening character, especially because he has so many minions to help him reach his evil goals. There are other antagonists in the series that serve Voldemort. Can you think of another antagonist who maybe isn't pure evil? Someone who actively causes trouble for Harry but does so because of other motivations than world domination?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Liana

2/7/2016 05:38:51 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball
Thank you for your compliments! To answer your question, someone who I think is kind of an antagonist but doesn't want to take over the world, is Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter's enemy. He does some pretty mean stuff to people. He is not evil though, he has goodness in him. His parents are death eaters, Voldemort, a dark wizard's minions, so he has to become one too. When he does become one, he is afraid. He doesn't want to kill anyone and do very atrocious things, even though Voldemort ordered him too. I think he doesn't want to do the things he's ordered to do because he can be good. Maybe he doesn't feel good doing bad things.
Sincerely,
Liana

Whitney

2/12/2016 08:26:05 am

Dear Liana,
I really liked your response! I liked how you used the word "atrocious" to describe him. Maybe next time you could use more descriptive words like that. Your response really captured Voldemort as an awful wizard.
Sincerely,
Whitney

Caitlin

2/3/2016 07:42:36 pm

Dear class,
I think in the book The Sisters Grimm's the agonistic character is Puck. First of all he is an ever after and he is the trickster King. That means he tricks a lot of people because he has trickster in his name. Also, Puck annoys the Grimm sisters in the book. Puck annoys the girls by calling them names. For example Puck wrote on Sabrina's forehead and face with permanent marker that won't come off Sabrina's face. Also Puck is always trying to make Sabrina fight with him. Some of Pucks character traits are disgusting,mean and annoying. One reason I think that the author made Puck agonistic because Puck is supposed to be very evil and not help Sabrina and Daphne the Grimm sisters but he does. And I think that kind of shows that Puck isn't a bad person. I think the author is trying to develop a character, then show that Puck isn't bad.
Sincerely,
Caitlin

Ms. Kimball

2/7/2016 03:51:10 pm

Dear Caitlin,

I am familiar with the story, but for readers who aren't, you may want to be clearer on who the main characters are and what an "ever-after" is.

Puck sure sounds like a trickster. You say he is very annoying, but being annoying doesn't make a character an antagonist. I know Puck claims to be a big troublemaker, but is he actually a villain in the story? Doesn't he end up helping the main characters? From what I understand, there are actual villains in the story with sinister motivations. Who do you think is the biggest "bad guy/girl" in the story?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Caitlin

2/11/2016 06:43:30 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
I do think that I should of put what the everafters are, they are creatures or people that are from fairy tales like red riding hood and the 3 pigs. Another agonist character is red riding hood. Red riding hood is a agnostic character because she stole Sabrina and Daphne's mom and dad away. And is now trying to steal Sabrina and Daphe's granmother away. Red riding hood is trying to steal parts of people's family members because she doesn't have a family. Thanks for the feedback.
Sincerely,
Caitlin

Trisha

2/11/2016 03:45:32 pm

Dear Caitlin,
I like how you gave examples of what bad stuff Puck does. What does Puck to trick people? And also, how is Puck disgusting? Over all, I think you did a great job describing Puck's traits.
Sincerely,
Trisha

DeAngi

2/11/2016 04:49:20 pm

Dear Caitlin,

Good job on your response! One question I have is who are Sabrina and Daphne? I think you should use modifying clauses next time. (I was considering reading that series. You persuaded me to read The Sisters Grim.) Other than that, I think you did a great job!

Sincerely,

DeAngi

Whitney

2/3/2016 07:44:34 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
I read the book "Wonder" by R.J Palacio. I think that Julian is the antagonist because he is basically just a snotty, gossipy, jerk. He talks about August behind his back and makes fun of his facial deformity. He even started a "boy war" were you were either on his side or August's side. That sounds like something an antagonist would do. When he is talking with his friends about August behind his back, August actually hears. This is sad because he does it all the time. This is why I think Julian is an antagonist.
Sincerely,
Whitney

Ms. Kimball

2/7/2016 04:11:04 pm

Dear Whitney,

Julian is a great example of an antagonist. When I read Wonder, I found it hard to believe someone could be so mean. Why do you think Julian acts this way?

Also, I'm curious, how did Julian start a "boy war" as you mentioned and what kind of "war" was it? What influenced boys to choose one side or the other?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Whitney

2/12/2016 08:32:41 am

Dear Ms.Kimball,
I think Julian acts this way because he is insecure. I think he needs to put others down so he can feel better about himself. I think this is sad. Also, I think that, in classic mean person type, he started the boy war. He did this to try to turn everybody against August, just because he looks different.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Whitney

Elizabeth

2/9/2016 04:03:34 pm

Dear Whitney,
I have to agree with you on this one, I read Wonder and Julian truly is snotty and gossipy. I mean starting the "disease" thing and boy war is just low considering that it is Auggie's first year at a public school. For someone to be that mean you have to wonder what they are going through. I am not siding with Julian, I think he is awful and It is good that he is going to a different school next year.
Awesome job,
Elizabeth

Liana

2/9/2016 06:36:05 pm

Dear Whitney,
I love the book Wonder! It's such a great book! I think you did a great job on finding the antagonist. Julian is a great example of one. He is very mean, and doesn't respect other people's feelings. I liked how you gave examples that show how Julian is an antagonist. Maybe you could also add some more information about the "boy war". You mentioned it, but I was still a little confused about what it is. A question I have is what do you think August should do about how Julian treats him? Do you think he should stand up for himself, or just let Julian be mean to him? I think you did a great job finding the antagonist in your book and I enjoy reading you responses.
Sincerely,
Liana

Tommy

2/3/2016 08:00:11 pm

Dear class,

I have chosen my character that is antagonistic, and that is Snape from the Harry Potter series.

Snape is a teacher at the school Hogwarts of witchcraft and wizardry. He has black hair that is as long as a Black Lags tail. Also, he has really pale skin that is almost transparent. His voice is as eerie as a
howling wind on Halloween.

Snape is one of the most creepy characters you will read about in any book in your life, but he is so interesting he makes you want to read Harry Potter for very long periods of time. When he teaches, he threatens the kids in the Gryffindor house more than kids in any other house. This is because he hates Harry, who is in Gryffindor house. Next, he gives unfair detentions to the Gryffindor students for weird reasons like they didn't do the potions right or they were talking in class.

Snape can cause trouble BY keeping Harry in detention on Quittich games because the team needs him. (Luckily, Harry always finds a way to fix the situation fast.) Also, he can make problems by blaming crimes or making fake crimes up and blame it on Harry, which causes a problem or commotion about the situation, and just make the situation worse. Biggest of all, he sets a bad example. That could cause a very big problem because kids could take his personality into 'consideration.'

Finally, I think J.K. Rowling, the author, had Snape act this way is because to add excitement. In real life this wouldn't be true, but it is almost enjoying reading Harry struggle with Snape in his Hogwarts life. Also, it was enjoying to watch Snape rag on Harry, to. I think reading about charters who are mean, put's meaning into the story. I think if there wasn't any bad guys in a book, it would be dull. Because, there wouldn't be anyone for the good guy to battle against, and that would make in boring.

Sincerely, Tommy

Ms. Kimball

2/7/2016 04:20:38 pm

Dear Tommy,

Wow! What a detailed explanation of why Snape is an antagonist. I really like how you gave specific examples and unpacked their meaning for your readers.

Snape is a great example of an antagonist in a series. He is unusual, though, because he works for the Hogwarts school, which should mean he's on the "good guys/gals" side. That's what makes him such an interesting character!

I agree with you that Snape is mysterious, unfair, and threatening. I also agree that without him in the books, the story wouldn't be as interesting. Voldemort, the evil wizard, is the ultimate bad guy and causes all sorts of trouble for the main characters, but Snape is an extra, daily causer of trouble for Harry. You said Snape "hates Harry." Why do you think so?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Tommy

2/10/2016 04:47:51 pm

Dear Mrs.Kimball,

I think Snape hates Harry because he hates his dad. Before Voldemort murdered his dad, Snape was like the Malfoy to Harry. I think that because in the third or second book, that Snape hates Harry because he hates his dad. I think he assumes Harry would be like a mini version of Harry's dad in his own mind.

Sincerely, Tommy

August

2/4/2016 04:41:28 pm

Dear Class,

I am reading Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets. I love to hate Voldemort. He is always trying to kill Harry. Voldemort is very cruel. I think this because one he is always trying to kill Harry and two he tricks Ginny, Ron's younger sister, into releasing the monster in the Chamber of Secrets. Voldemort is always causing trouble for Harry, such as; making his school ( Hogwarts) almost close down, freezing one of Harry's best friends (Hermione), and almost killing Harry's best friend sister, Ginny.

I think Voldemort acts like this because when He was little he was an orphan raised at a muggle orphanage. He was also bullied at school. I think this because it said that clearly in the text, and you and the class said that if a person is bullied they might become a bully themselves.

Sincerely,
August

Ms. Kimball

2/7/2016 05:11:57 pm

Dear August,

Voldemort sure has done some nasty deeds! I agree that he is tricky, troublesome, and cruel. It's interesting that you thought about what in his past might have caused him to act this way.

One thing I really like about the Harry Potter series is that there are many characters who serve as antagonists. Have you confronted any other sinister characters that actively try to cause trouble for Harry and his friends?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

August

2/9/2016 05:34:08 pm

Dear Class,

I have not confronted any other other sinister characters that actively try to cause trouble for Harry and his friends because I have just started the 3 book and I have just read one chapter. Thank you for you question.

Sincerely,
August

Maggie

2/11/2016 07:06:46 pm

Dear August,
I loved your response! I also love to hate Voldemort/Tom Riddle. But I have one question. For readers who haven't read Harry Potter, why dose Voldemort hate Harry? Thanks for responding!
From,
Maggie

Maggie

2/4/2016 05:48:45 pm

Dear 5K,
I have read Harry Potter #5 and I think an antagonist in the story is Professor Umbridge. One way she is an evil person/toad like person is that she has a special quill that she uses to torture kids. You write on paper in red ink that you find out is your own blood. What ever you wrote shows up on the back of your hand.

Another reason Umbridge is cruel is because she sent dementors, creatures that suck the happiness out of you, after Harry, the main character. If that's not evil I don't know what is.

That's why I think Umbridge is evil.
From,
Maggie

Ms. Kimnball

2/7/2016 05:15:08 pm

Dear Maggie,

Good use of modifying clauses to give important details. Professor Umbridge sure sounds like an awful person and a malicious antagonist. Why do you think she does these hurtful things to Harry and his friends?

Also, isn't she a professor at the Hogwarts school? How does she get away with such evil deeds and still keep her job as a teacher?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Maggie

2/11/2016 07:00:54 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,
Thank you very much for your feedback it was very helpful. To answer your first question I think she does all these evil things because she dose not like people having different beliefs than the Ministry of Magic, the government for the magical world. Also to answer your second question, she works for the ministry on strict orders. Professor Dumbledore, the headmaster, can't do anything about it.
From,
Maggie

Ryan

2/4/2016 06:50:25 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,
The book that comes to my mind most when I think of an antagonist is " How The Grinch Who Stole Christmas", by Dr. Seuss. The grinch is a very cynical person with a super cruel and bitter heart. He only has one loyal friend, his dog who is treated poorly. The grinch is the kind of person who is not very easily pleased and does not find joy in many things in life. In the story, the grinch causes trouble by stealing all of the townspeople's presents and feasts on the night before Christmas. Some of the grinch's charter traits are selfish and grouchy, (in the beginning of the story). The grinch is selfish as he steals presents and treats his only friend, his dog, awfully. The grinch is greedy because he stole for himself. I think the author chose the grinch as an antagonist to teach a life lesson. That bad people can change and become good and that people can prove that they can be good. The grinch became good by realizing that Christmas isn't all about presents, it is all about being together and having the Christmas spirit.

Sincerely,
Ryan

Ms. Kimball

2/7/2016 05:21:25 pm

Dear Ryan,

Interesting choice for an antagonist! I agree that the Grinch is selfish, grouchy, and a bad guy. In the story, isn't the Grinch also the main character? That means he is also the protagonist. Woah! It's very uncommon in stories to have the main character BE his own antagonist, but you're right that the Grinch definitely starts off by causing trouble and being evil. Think about this: Could there be something within the Grinch himself, like a part of him, that serves as the antagonist? By the end of the story, he defeats it, and learns a lesson. What do you think is within himself that he defeats?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Ryan

2/10/2016 02:39:06 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,
The Grinch is the main character of the story. I think what the Grinch defeats in himself is his hatred about Christmas. In the end, he realizes that Christmas isn't all about present, gifts, food, and that it is all about being with each other and showing love. The part of the Grinch that serves as an antagonist is his will to make everybody feel miserable and his hate to celebrate Christmas.

Sincerely,
Ryan

cordy

2/4/2016 07:05:05 pm

Dear class,
I am reading Story thieves. I the book Owen is the main character, he never brakes any rules. He also loves books because his mom is the librarian. Until one day he sees one of his classmates jump right out of a book! Bethany, the classmate, tells Owen that her dad was a fictional character and she's able to jump in and out of book. both of them make a promise Owen wont tell anybody of Bethany's ability's. And Bethany will take Owen into his favored book. When they got into the book Owen interferes with the book! And that could change the whole sires. The only rule Bethany put down was not to interfere with the book and Owen broke it. Luckily it did not change the book.

Sincerely,
Cordy

Ms. Kimball

2/7/2016 05:25:13 pm

Dear Cordy,

That is a great summary of the story so far. It sounds like a very interesting adventure! But you didn't reply to the prompt: Who is the antagonist (the villain in the story)?

Owen and Bethany both sound like the heroes. Are there any characters in the story that cause them trouble? If so, describe!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Cordy

2/11/2016 06:31:57 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
In the book there really are no villains in the story. Just rule breakers. Bethany breaks her mother's number 1 rule,'don't jump in and out of books'. All Bethany dose is jump in and out of books. Owen breaks the number 1 rule in the books 'never interfere with the books'!

Sincerely,
Cordy

Jansyn

2/4/2016 10:22:27 pm

Dear class
I'm reading tales of a 4 grade nothing. In the book Peter is the main character , and most of the time he is nice. His best friend is Jimmy Fargo. His little brother Fuge is a really big trouble maker. There was one time he didn't eat for a long time because he was acting like a dog . When Fuge didn't eat his cereal his dad dumped Fuges cereal on Fuge. His dad said "eat it or ware it."In one chapter Fuge was acting like a bird trying to fly off the play ground and knocked his two front teeth out.

Ms. Kimball

2/7/2016 05:27:31 pm

Dear Jansyn,

Fudge sure is a trouble maker. I am unclear about your response though. Are you saying that Fudge is the antagonist in the story? What does Fudge do to Peter, the main character, to cause him trouble?

Also, why do you think the author made Fudge an antagonist?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Jansyn

2/10/2016 06:52:23 pm

Dear ms kimball
Fudge didn't listen some times so the mom keeps on telling Peter to stand on his head or open his mouth when Fudge dose not open his mouth. Peter dose not like having to do that every time Fudge dose not listen. I think the author made Fudge antagonist because he or she wanted to make the book funny.

Tommy

2/10/2016 04:55:46 pm

Hey, Jansyn.

I like how you organized your response. It has good detail. What I was unclear about was I didn't know what you were saying about Fudge being the antagonist. I think you made a slight mistake in your response and forgot to add that part. Also, you didn't support your last sentence. Also in your last sentence didn't really make scene about why you think Fudge is the antagonist. I what your saying in that sentence is Fudge makes a lot of mistakes, and not be the bad guy. Overall, I think you should include more detail of why you think Fudge is the antagonist, and not the mistakes he makes.

Good job, Tommy

Cordy

2/11/2016 06:44:10 pm

Dear Jansyn,
Fudge sonse like he gets in a lot of trouble. Is fuge Jimmy Fargo's little brother or peters? Dose Fudge get Jimmy or peter in a lot of trouble? Do you think fuge is the antagonist?

Sincerely,
Cordy

DeAngi

2/7/2016 07:32:20 pm

Dear class,

I was reading the book, Dark Life. It is about people who live under water, and how they live there. I think the antagonistic person is shade, the leader of the seablite gang. One of the reasons why I think he is antagonistic is because he robs government, and house hold submarines. Another reason why he is antagonistic is because he tried to kill Ty, the main character. He shot her manta board instead. The reason why I think the author made Shade so antagonistic is because he is the leader of a gang that has been in a " jail". They broke out of it, and he wanted his revenge. That is the reason why I think the antagonistic person is shade.

Sincerely,

DeAngi

Ms. Kimball

2/9/2016 07:52:32 pm

Dear DeAngi,

Dark Life sounds like a cool story. Shade definitely seems like a bad guy, especially as a leader of a gang, a criminal, a potential killer, and a thief. You can't get much "badder" than that!

Why do you think Shade acts this way?

Also, when you say, "he robs government, and house hold submarines," what did you mean? I'm confused.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

DeAngi

2/11/2016 04:36:08 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,

Thank you for the feedback! The reason why I think Shade does this is for revenge. For example, Shade has "Dark gifts" which he can turn his skin into different colors. The government wanted to test him, but he refused. He was sent to a "jail" and wanted revenge. He has a gang who also has been tested on. It was called the seablite gang because the prison was named seablite. When he robbed government and house hold supply ships, it was his plot for revenge. He wanted to scare the government and wanted to threaten them.

Sincerely,

DeAngi

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